HOW SHOULD THIS MEDICINE BE USED?
Hiprex® (methenamine hippurate tablets USP) should be taken by the mouth as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Plenty of fluid should be consumed while taking Hiprex.
Your doctor may recommend drinking additional water and/or certain fruit juices (e.g., cranberry, plum, prune) and increased protein in the diet while taking Hiprex to ensure adequate hydration and acidity of the urine. It may also be recommended to avoid citrus fruits and juices (e.g., orange, grapefruit, lemon), milk and dairy products, and antacids during treatment with Hiprex, as these products may decrease the effectiveness of the medicine.
When you first take Hiprex, it is common to feel better shortly after beginning the medication, but you must make sure to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor and for the entire course of therapy in order for it to work properly. If you stop taking the medicine because you feel better, this may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance to antibacterial drugs and will not be treatable by Hiprex or any other antibacterial drugs in the future.
WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE HIPREX® (methenamine hippurate tablets USP)?
You should not take Hiprex® (methenamine hippurate tablets USP) if you are allergic to it; or to formaldehyde; or if you have any other allergies to the inactive ingredients. See the full package insert for a list of all ingredients in Hiprex.
Tell your doctor your medical history so he or she can determine if Hiprex is a proper medication for your condition, especially if you have or have had kidney problems, liver problems, or dehydration.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Your doctor will determine if the benefits of taking this medicine outweigh the risks.
This drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Take all of the Hiprex tablets that have been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
TAKING OTHER MEDICINES:
Drug interactions may change how your medicines work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medications without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- sulfonamide drugs (including sulfa antibiotics such as sulfamethizole)
- products that decrease the amount of acid in the urine (urinary alkalinizers such as antacids, sodium bicarbonate, potassium or sodium citrate, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
THIS LIST IS NOT COMPLETE AND OTHER DRUGS MAY INTERACT WITH HIPREX. TELL YOUR DOCTORS ABOUT ALL MEDICINES YOU USE. THIS INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION, OVER-THE-COUNTER, VITAMIN AND HERBAL PRODUCTS. DO NOT START A NEW MEDICATION WITHOUT TELLING YOUR DOCTOR.